tailgate: would you hinge from side or bottom? (1 Viewer)

[REZARF]

Title says it all, why would you choose one over the other?

Thanks-

Rezarf <><

 

[brownbear]

I did the bottom. I thought it might be better if I wanted to haul something long(like a couch).

But the side opening would be cool and might even be better for camping. But I like a normal tailgate, like a PU.

 

[Snook]

I made the bottom tailgate on my M416 for mutli-use, camping and dumping.

One pro about the side tailgate is that it is easier to reach for something deep inside if there is a popup tent on the top that block access from above.

Cheers,

 

[Exiled]

Bottom. A tailgate is a natural table, and when camping, there's no such thing as enough flat space to put gear on.

 

[sirenmoses]

Bottom. A tailgate is a natural table, and when camping, there's no such thing as enough flat space to put gear on.

x2. kitchen table, chainsaw sharpening/repair, seat for tired butts, landing zone to pull cactus spines out of dog legs.... the uses are endless

 

[REZARF]

So, bottom is winning.

However, would you allow the tailgate to drop down to a 90* angle like a pickup bed? Or have the ability to drop all the way down 180* from normal... I guess both wouldn't be that hard.

Thanks!

Rezarf <><

 

[Walldog]

So, bottom is winning.

However, would you allow the tailgate to drop down to a 90* angle like a pickup bed? Or have the ability to drop all the way down 180* from normal... I guess both wouldn't be that hard.
Thanks!
Rezarf <><

Use chains for the 90° support and unhook them to drop it open @ 180°

 

[Snook]

Use chains with screw release hook at end. (not quick release type)

Then slide and cover chain with rubber bike tube so it won't rattle and nick the trailer paint. Rubber tube dont last long becuase it is not UV protected however it last for four years so far in my case.

Mine is set at 92 degree.

Regards,

 

[vanders]

Just to throw in another idea, why not go side hinged with a drop down table hinged from the bottom of the tailgate. That way you have easier acces to your trailer and a work bench come camp table as well.

Vanders

 

[REZARF]

Yeah, I have thought of that but I am trying to stay as simple as possible.

Good idea.

Rezarf <><

 

[photogod]

If you are talking about a 416 I would do the bottom hinge with the option to go 180. It would take a good bit of reinforcement to the sidewall to get the strength to hinge it on the side, and then as stated before, you loose space for a work surface. Mine is 3/16 galvinized steel so I can use it for a lot of stuff without denting it.

 

[spressomon]

Ideal = hinge on the bottom that also allows you to drop it down 180 degrees. As Snook said it would be nice to be able to be 2' closer to the trailer contents with a complete drop down out of the way design. Our trailer can be accessed from the top...which I do on occasion...but only because I can't quite reach everything in the front of the trailer box from the door end (ours can not function as a 180 drop down...only 90 degrees). And build it strong enough to support you...just in case you need to sit on it.

 

[John E Davies]

The 1/4 inch cables have plated snap hooks at the top. They are plastic coated to reduce chafing and noise, but I usually install a bungee between them when travelling. You can get a crimp tool for about US$30 from Home Depot. The cables and swage terminals aren't that expensive, and it is a much more slick and professional setup than.... ugh!...chains. I don't carry a load on the extended gate, so load rating of the hardware doesn't matter to me.

To remove the gate completely, unsnap the cables and slide the gate off the open ended hinge pins. It would hang straight down if I didn't have a bumper installed. I really like having the extra flat surface, and have never found a side opening gate to be useful enough to lose that ability.

Usually I cook on one of the fenders if there is no table available.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I would think about doing both. I don't have time to draw you up something in MSCad(i.e. Paint ), but I would install the necessary hinges to have it swing both down and to the side, I would use the hinges on the sides as the "latch" and the hinge on the bottom as the primary hinge. Then if you ever need to swing it to the side for some reason, pull the pins from the bottom hinge and one of the sides and the gate would open to the side.

Also, replacement cables for pickup truck tailgates are available at most parts stores. You might try those instead of chains, they're rubber coated and are "quick release" at the top(originally for tailgate removal purposes) that would allow you to drop the gate all the way down.

Ary

 

[Exiled]

The only practical application for a side-swinging tailgate that I can see is mounting a drop down "table" to it for your stove. It's definitely less practical than a drop down tailgate when it comes to approaching it.

 

[REZARF]

Yeah, I have settled on a drop down gate on removeable hinges that allow you to slide it off when you want to.

Thanks everyone!

Drew